BUSINESS SERVICES

Marzec Law Firm, P.C. represents clients in all of their business needs. In addition to commerciallitigation and transactions including real estate transactions, the Firm assists small and medium sized business clients in corporate organization, receipt of licenses, and in registration of trademarks. Further, the Firm seeks to represent aviation industry companies, their employees and members.

BUSINESS FORMATION

Marzec Law Firm, P.C. can help protect your start-up by helping you select the most desirable business form and conduct corporate governance thereafter. In order to retain limited liability, it is important to follow procedures after incorporating. For example, annual shareholder, director and partner meetings need to be held and minutes must be recorded per New York State requirements. Many business owners have had their corporate status jeopardized for failure to maintain corporate formalities, being found personally liable for corporate debts and judgments.

Moreover, intangible assets of a business should be protected, including the company's logo, brand name, and distinctive goods and services may be entitled to copyright protection. Trademark registration for proprietary software, semiconductor chip mask designs and vessel hull designs have been found trademarkable. Some companies will need inventions and nonobvious processes and methods patented.

Today's high tech companies, as well as other firms, should consider protecting themselves through non-disclosure and non-compete agreements with their employees. A leaving employee sometimes raids the former company of trade secrets only to find employ with the competition.

Not to be ignored, many business ventures fail. Closely held corporations may need buy-sell agreements or buy-back agreements to ensure that partners or shareholders can alienate their interest in the company.

OTHER BASIC CONSIDERATIONS

Generally, when starting a business, you must consider the need for obtaining licenses and permits, such as a "doing business as" registration, business license, fire department permit, health depart license, liquor licenses, sign permits, etc. Small businesses generally benefit from being formed as Limited Liability Companies ("LLC"). An LLC will limited personal liability and provide tax advantages of a partnership or a sole proprietorship. An LLC may elect to be taxed like a corporation, or profits and losses can be passed through the company to its members. LLC members are not burdened with the same formalities as corporate shareholders / directors / officers. If you choose the corporate form, you may qualify for an "S" status and be taxed like a partnership.

Regardless for the specific form you eventually choose, do not invest any funds unless actually incorporated or registered as an LLC. When you consult with Marzec Law Firm, P.C., you should disclose your prior business dealings and be ready to discuss any need for an employee handbook and written employment agreements. Do not order expensive stationary until you verify that you business name will not pose any trademark infringement issues. Before meeting with Darius A. Marzec, Esq., fill the confidential client questionnaire. The Internal Revenue Service has provided the following start of a small business checklist. See it here. SeealsoEmpire State Development resources; NYS Small Business Development Center.

Marzec Law Firm, P.C. also assists clients in the purchase and sale of business entities.

LITIGATION

Marzec Law Firm, P.C. can represent your business in many litigation scenarios. The Firm represents domestic and foreign companies in a broad range of commercial litigation, ranging from simple to complex. Such litigation may include breach of contract and contract interpretation, business disputes, business torts, transaction disputes, suits for amount due, employment disputes, suits for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and unfair competition claims. The Firm will also handle claims against corporate directors and officers. Please contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation.

Call to consult with Darius A. Marzec, Esq.

212.267.0200

MARZEC LAW FIRM, P.C.

The Marzec Law Firm, PC is conveniently located in downtown Manhattan, Williamsburg-Brooklyn, Clifton-New Jersey, and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The Firm currently serves clients in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, Florida, and Illinois. Click here for directions to the New York City office.